Investigation into Dak Lak incident in line with law

The investigation into a terrorism case in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak, which occurred on June 11, 2023, has been conducted in accordance with Vietnam’s law, said Foreign Ministry’s spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang.

During the ministry’s regular press conference in Ha Noi on January 25, Hang responded to questions from reporters regarding the joint efforts between Vietnam and the US during the investigation amid claims of racial bias surrounding the case, saying that relevant agencies of the two countries have regularly shared information concerning involved organisations and individuals in line with their legal regulations and international law.

In discussions with the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security, the US reaffirmed their zero tolerance towards any organisation or individual associated with the attack, pledged full support to Vietnam's law enforcement agencies in the investigation, aiming to prevent similar occurrences that could impact bilateral relations, she added.

"We firmly believe that all nations and peace lovers worldwide staunchly oppose terrorist actions in any form, advocating joint work to strictly deal with terrorism according to international law”, she said.

She also rejected allegations of racial bias in the case, affirming that all ethnic groups residing in Vietnam are treated equally. The Vietnamese Government always gives priority to areas inhabited by ethnic minorities, especially in socio-economic development and improvement of their lives.

Regarding a recent press release by the Human Rights Watch (HRW) in which 2023 human rights situation in Vietnam was mentioned, Hang completely rejected and condemned the so-called HRW, which delivered a report with fabricated and false content.

According to her, it was not the first time this organisation had presented such biased allegations with malicious intent against Vietnam, aiming to undermine the country’s socio-economic development and sow discord between Vietnam and the international community.

The Vietnamese Government’s determination, efforts and achievements in protecting basic human rights have been evidenced by the tangible socio-economic development results as well as widely recognised and praised by people at home and the international community, she added.

TB (according to VNA)